ϡ - Chapter TwentyTwo; Sweet dreams are not made of these [action/voice]

[folklorist]

[ It begins with deep breathing as if someone is injured or being held down against their will. There is no light, there is no sound, only darkness and nothing more. There's a man who looks exactly like him, a mirror image, cutting and kicking a foot into his skin and side. He's bound to a chair eyes shutting from the unfamiliar presence of the sudden light.

"You're a fool. You should have joined me when you had the chance. Anyone would have if they were in your position. I thought being one in the same would have aided in your decision."

"We-we're not the same, nothing at all!" The other man's voice...his voice, is shaky uncertain afraid. "You treat them like they're nothing, just...just stock for you to use. They're more than just that."

"Are they? I couldn't hear over your half assed reply. Do you think they deserve anything after what they've done to you? After what you've sacrificed for them to gain something? You seem to want to give them a chance, and what do they deserve? What have they ever done for you? Ha! Oh, yes, I forgot they're like a poor representation of a marginally less broken family, correct? You've had your chance to tame them and you failed."

The bound version of himself looks away jaw clenching an audible shaky sigh escaping before he replies. "Be quiet! They-that's not true. I never wanted to do that in the first pl-place."

"With magic comes power, and with power comes control. You're pathetic, no wonder you lost everything." The meaner, darker version of Helios replies. He is nothing like the other a completely different man in all aspects of the word. He is not

"Stop it! You-you have no right to speak about her like that." A scream tears through the bound man's throat. And the man with the same face has a wicked almost sinister grin on it.

"Murderer." They were the same but they weren't they had the same name, the same face and powers, but they were not. It begins with darkness and it ends in darkness as the dream fades. ]

Like a doppelganger. No, it's not real. None of it's re-real.

[ You might hear a strangled almost hysteric mantra coming over the journal's Luceti. The dreams have been proving to be a formidable foe to Luceti Valley's headmaster. The constant reliving of a life that you were certain wasn't yours. And that...inner turmoil was now just rekindled. He didn't want to think about it...that other half that was brought out by the Third Party being so in control in his dream. A life that, had you truly lived out, you wouldn't know how you'd be able to go on like that. It was wrong, familiar, and yet wrong because he couldn't even see his family in any of them.

Careful not to awake anyone Helios will slip out of CH7 and begin his walk, where to? He doesn't know but he's definately not sleeping anymore tonight. He'll be taking a walk well into the morning before happening upon one of the beasties. They track him more closely because of his past meeting with Rem. He doesn't know that and he hates being put into this position. It's too familiar, too real. The journal eerily silent will now capture the growling of a beast and a humanistic sharp intake of breath. ]

What...what are they. Go...go away.

[ His voice gets a little sharper, more different than how it is usually. But the creature does not leave and every step forward it takes Helios backs away before he finds himself backed up against a tree. Cornered. ]

I said leave me alone.

[ The voice transmission will cut off abruptly as the beginnings of a scuffle is heard. And then there is the crackling sounds of electricity accompanied by agitated growls before a yelp and a loud bang breaks the unending silence. Should anyone be in the woods between CH4 and CH7 there is now a dead beast in the forest a little way inward. Helios on the other hand will have left and be found around the village and general area. ]

(( ooc: AU Helios has something along the lines of MPD thanks to Giles and his imprisonment by the Third party way back when. Basically it's an excuse to portray his Mirror!verse side only slightly more realistic. So if you don't want to meet his suppressed, meaner, side I suggest you steer clear. Also the thread with Giles is going to be the main thread where Helios is brought down. Anyone else is free to reply and interact with him though! Characters might get injured if you catch him at the moment unexpectedly. But in general he'll just be snippy and not so nice. ))

Comments

[ action ]

[refinedmaestro.livejournal.com]

[Frederic found himself unable to sleep due to the strange dreams he was having and decided to go out for a stroll in the village. However as he leaves the apartment building, his ears picked up the strange noises from the woods only to then see Helios coming out of them towards the apartment building again while rushing to his friend's side.]

...Helios? What on earth are you doing out this late at night?

[ action ]

[folklorist]

[ You'll get a sharp returned gaze from him Frederic before another small smile. ] Nothing. I simply couldn't sleep, is all.

[ It's a different more dark and yet still laced with some resemblance of the other Helios Frederic is used to. ]

[ action ]

[refinedmaestro.livejournal.com]

[He sighs softly and doesn't get too close, since something in his mind is telling him not to.] Are you having the same strange dreams as I am?

[ action ]

[folklorist]

Dreams. Yes, I think we all are aren't we? But they're just dreams after all, hm? [ His eyes narrow as he still looks back at his friend hands clenching. ]

[ action ]

[refinedmaestro.livejournal.com]

I keep seeing strange images in my mind of me living in an apartment that isn't mine and other things, I cannot understand it.

[ action ]

[folklorist]

There's nothing to understand. Maybe it's real after all. [ Don't mind him Frederic he's just a tad bit on the crazy side right now. ]

Funny if it were true. I'd love to see what else happened.

[ action ]

[refinedmaestro.livejournal.com]

Do you truly believe it to be real? I couldn't be a famous composer from another land, could I?

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert is beyond terrified, now. The dreams have been getting worse, more painful; more detailed. He remembers them better, every thrice-damned detail burning its way into his mind like a red-hot brand, and he hates himself for not being able to let go of it.

A specific part of his dream - amongst many others - is the part that's driven him to get up and walk outside into the forest. He even remembers the exact date - September 13, 2314 A.D., Standard Terran Years - which is in the future and should be impossible but he knows it's the right date. He remembers Benjamin, a version of Benjamin or some doppelganger of him at the least, screaming at him - "You can't just walk away from me, Rob" - and the words hurt and that nickname feels like a punch in the stomach - "It's either your fucking schoolwork or me 'cause it seems like you can't deal with both" - and he remembers being in a stupor - withdrawal symptoms, even though drugs don't exist in Luceti and these are the first introduction to the term he has... A half-sane stupor, staggering around, weeping into his hands... and then fleeing, fleeing from everybody... His friends, his family, his home, his life.

You aren't good enough for him.

Those marks on his arms are needle scars. They aren't self-injuries.

And that's what made it really click, for Robert. That the dreams aren't just dreams.

So he's stumbled out of his apartment in a haze of horror and disgust and self-hatred, and he almost doesn't notice anything until he hears that loud bang in stereo, both over the journal and near enough to be within the general audible range of Robert's staggering walk.

A few minutes later he can see Helios cutting through the trees and oh no he has that face that he has when he sees Robert and Giles together and it hurts because it's like Benjamin's face from his dream.

But he still ventures a soft questioning voice.]

H-Helios...?

... A-Are, are you a-alright...?

[Even as he says it he knows it's a farce, knows there's no way he can be alright. Not during this hell.]

[Action]

[folklorist]

[ Oh Robert how amusing you are. Actually forging concern for him, like any of it is real. ] Why do you care?

[ It's a biting remark laced with poison and pent up anger that he can finally let seep out. And oh how he is going to let it seep out. Helios will actually make a bee line straight towards Robert. ]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Robert shudders slightly at that tone, though he doesn't quite back off yet; instead, he just half-turns to make sure he can keep his gaze on the advancing man.

He's afraid of Helios, a little bit. That anger... written all over his face and dripping from that one short sentence to the point where even Robert can pick it up.]

I-I... I'm always concerned about you, H-Helios. You're... you're my friend... [Normally, anyway. Don't you remember, before February...?]

... You kn-know I'd always help you if you n-needed it... [Robert realizes he has nowhere to really run, now, from Helios...]

[Action]

[folklorist]

Oh I'm sure you are. Concerned only because of what I mean to my brother correct? [ Just a wry smirk. Oh he remembers before February but that's long gone. It's since February that Helios has been dealing with because nothing has been the same. ]

And how would you help me, Robert, do tell. I'm so very curious.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

It's not like that at a-all, Helios. I appreciate you e-entirely on your own merits. [Despite the slight stammer, Robert's expression hardens slightly, and his lips draw into a thin line.] Y-You... You're usually such a kind person...

However I could, Helios. Whatever would h-help you. But you usually don't tell me, you won't be open with me... [Memories of the other-Luceti Valley Helios in his dreams, always gentle, but still hidden, still an enigma...

Why can he remember kissing Helios so well?]

[Action]

[folklorist]

Usually. People have the capacity to change faster than you think sometimes.

[ Another step forward, Robert might find himself pinned between Helios and a tree now. ] You want me to be open with you, Robert? You want to know that I have been thinking about--about that.

[ There's almost a conflicted look on his features as a hand goes to his temple in a slightly pained way. It's almost like he's internally fighting with himself but it goes just as quickly as it comes. He remembers it too and it's a damn nagging feeling, always there never leaving him alone. ]

[Voice]

[consultmybooks]

[Oh, god. Oh god oh god oh god.

Giles has been patrolling the village ever since sunrise for the sole purpose of keeping the beasts away from his family. Away from Helios. He had no idea that his brother had already left the apartment, gone off on his own with that dream still stewing in his mind.

He'd wanted him to be safe, he didn't want...

Judging by the sounds he's just heard, Helios is on the edge if he hasn't already gone over.

This is very bad, and Giles can't keep the quiet panic out of his voice.]

Helios, where are you?

[Voice]

[folklorist]

The woods. [ Being so very vague on purpose here. ] I rather keep to my thoughts for a little while longer. I enjoy the freedom every once in awhile--but you wouldn't know anything about that; having it all the time after all. [ A pause. ]

Besides if I told you, you'd just bring me to Paprika.

Re: [Voice]

[consultmybooks]

[The woods, then. Giles has been pacing near the edge of the woods all day by now. But he's well aware that that isn't exactly helpful. Even so, he switches his attention from searching for beasts to searching for Helios, walking quickly now.]

You said it yourself. Paprika is very busy right now.

[Not a yes or a no. Two can play the vagueness game, Helios.

..."having it all the time"...does that mean he's already changed? Giles has to be sure.]

I only suggested as much last night because you seemed as though you needed it.

[And you still do. More than ever.]

...are you all right, then? [Go on. Lie to him.]

[Voice]

[folklorist]

I don't think it will help much now. And I don't plan on going to her.

[ Just a laugh but it sounds very wrong and not like him at all. ] Perfectly all right now that it's gone.

Re: [Voice]

[consultmybooks]

[Oh, yeah. Helios has left the building.

Giles winces at the sound of that laugh, stopping dead in his tracks for a second as his heart skips several beats.

He was afraid of this.]

Good. I'm glad it wasn't too...bothersome. Not that most things are to you. [Not when you're like this.]

I've been t-taking footage of these things all day. D-Do you want to see any of it?

[He's babbling, and he's walking. And he is taking you in to see Paprika if he has to drag you, evil alter.]

[Voice]

[folklorist]

It's rather dead, it won't be bothering anyone anymore. There's still so many running around though. [ He would never have killed something in his usual demeanor. ] Not nearly enough time... [ His mumbled statement isn't directed at anyone in general, but Giles' next statement gets his attention. ]

I don't need your footage. A bit too late for that. In person is always more helpful. [ A few bitter retorts. Helpful...like you ever are, Giles. You can try to take him in, he's going to put up a fight...it's been a long time since he's been out after all. ]

voice;

[byakkoyagirl.livejournal.com]

[Oh you have got to be--]

Helios, stay calm. Relax and take deep breaths.

[She's calm herself while she says this and, in the background, he might hear something that sounds like a zipper being pulled up on a jacket.]

voice;

[folklorist]

Oh I'm perfectly calm. [ Might be saying this with more of a biting edge than he would normally. There's also a pause before a slight laugh escapes from his end. ]

Now that it's gone. [ It being the creature whatever it was. ]

voice;

[byakkoyagirl.livejournal.com]

[...] Yeah, you sound perfectly fine. [If 'perfectly fine' meant crazed and not well at all.]

Guess I don't even need to bother checking up on you. [Even though she's ready to get out of the apartment and track him down. Though she already saw Giles on the feed and that's a sign at least.] Unless you want to talk about the beast you just attacked.

voice;

[folklorist]

It cornered me and wouldn't leave. So...I decided to get rid of it. Very simple. I tried...but it...it wouldn't leave. It's better dead, it can't hurt anyone anymore.

[ Not something the other him would do at all. Violence is not the his typical method of resolution. ]

voice;

[byakkoyagirl.livejournal.com]

That's where you're wrong - it wasn't hurting anyone. I observed them for half a day and not once did they make any motion to attack me. They weren't completely docile, but if you left them alone they left you alone.

voice;

[folklorist]

[ Oh you caught him sister. ]

I asked politely. But it didn't seem to work. [ Not that he really cares. Dead is dead and who's going to miss a few vicious animals patrolling the area? ] That tree. If it hadn't done that... [ Just an annoyed sigh. He's not going to talk to you about this. ]

It doesn't really matter now, does it?